House of Hope opens doors for those who need to cool off

With this week's forecast predicting heat advisories and dangerously hot weather, the House of Hope Cooling Center will be open daily.

Located at 217 Veterans Boulevard in downtown Branson, the Cooling Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day that temperatures are expected to reach 95 degrees or more. The cooling center is open to anyone who needs a safe place to beat the heat.

"This is a space for anyone to come in and cool off," said House of Hope's Alex Sprinkle. "It's for our unsheltered friends and anyone without air conditioning, access to showers, etc."

The House of Hope could use donations of beverages and snacks for those utilizing the cooling center. Suggestions include Gatorade, Powerade, flavored packets for water, bread, lunch meat, cheese, individual bags of chips and high-protein snacks.

Donations can be dropped off at House of Hope, 217 Veterans Boulevard in Branson.